Americans are, by nature, a generous and compassionate people -- willing and even eager to pitch in and help out whenever and wherever disaster strikes... even giving aid to those who've thumbed their noses at us. In this day and age, however, there is concern about throwing "aid" money at corrupt governments which have given aid, comfort, sympathies and support to our enemies, and have repressed their own citizens.

How can we fulfil our role as altruistic dispensers of mercy and aid -- and not be simply seen as 'useful idiots' or schmucks by those who would take advantage of our goodness for their own ends, and not really help the people the aid is intended to assist?

To withhold aid pending fulfilment of some requirement makes us look like imperialistic bullies. Yet to send it with "no strings attached" may simply feed the beast, while not aiding the citizenry so devistated by the disaster. Where is the balance?

It is necessary to distinguish between "survival" aid and "rebuilding" aid. Food, Water, Clothing, Blood, Medicine and the like must be sent free and clear of any delays, restrictions or requirements. This is our duty as American Humanitarians.

On the other hand, if we are to send financial support to the governments of the stricken lands to help them 'rebuild their societies' -- it is appropriate to then expect some cooperation with our vital interests from those societies.

But how to secure that cooperation without withholding the aid until it is fully demonstrated can present a problem. I believe I can present a workable resolution: "Infrastructure and societal rebuilding" aid should be sent in the form of a forgivable low interest short-term loan. If these countries choose to continue their policy of raising their fists and their middle fingers to America and to our interests -- we respond with an upturned palm in expectation of our appropriate repayment on schedule. Default on the loan should bear economic sanction consequences. All this should be spelled out before the loan is granted. In addition, conditions for loan forgiveness should be spelled out. If the conditions are fulfilled with the appropriate cooperation called for - the loan is forgiven and the debt is eliminated.

In this way, the people are helped, the infrastructure needs are immediately funded, America gets greater cooperation in that part of the world, and we are not seen as the sugar-daddy punk schmuck wusses that will pay you to screw them and then say thank you, may I have another!